Salom review

Behind Wilde Salomé

While starring in a minimalist 2006 stage production of Oscar Wilde’s play, Al Pacino pieced together this film version during rehearsals. Comprising close-ups and medium shots with the odd angles to spice things up, it sees Pacino in bug-eyed form (“I remember he looked LANGUOROUSLY at Salomé!”) as King Herod, who lecherously pushes stepdaughter Salome (a riveting Jessica Chastain) into dancing for him; in return she demands the head of John the Baptist.

It’s more filmed theatre than cinema but Wilde’s lusty prose continues to quicken the pulse 123 years on.